The characterization of composites consisting of graphitic carbon foams coated with olivine structured LiNi1-yMgyPO4 (0 <= y <= 0.3) prepared by a Pechini assisted sol-gel process, is reported. The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were found to be dependent upon the Mg-content. After annealing in nitrogen at T=785 degrees C, the formation of the LiNiPO4 phase on the graphitic foams is observed. The morphological investigation reveals a layer on the graphitic foams that consists of irregular shaped particles. The size of the particles remains constant by increasing the magnesium content. The voltammetric curves show values of the reduction/oxidation mean peaks in the range of similar to 5.0 V and 5.2-5.3 V respectively. The specific capacity of the composites (at the first cycle, a discharge rate of C/10 and room temperature) increases by substituting Mg-ions for Ni-ions, and reaches 126 mAhg(-1) (at a discharge rate of C/10 and room temperature) for y = 0.2. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.